GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich made the following statement on the passing of Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, who served as Bellarmine University President from 1990-2016.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Joseph J. McGowan – a true visionary for both Bellarmine University and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Dr. McGowan held himself and others to the highest of standards in his constant pursuit of excellence that spanned more than 25 years in Louisville. He was an architect who not only took Bellarmine from college to university status during this time, but also meticulously molded the rolling hills of the campus landscape to pay homage to the school’s founding patron while building the Bellarmine brand along the way. Through his leadership within the GLVC Council of Presidents, he raised the expectations of the Conference and has left an indelible impression on the league. Our bar will always be set higher because of Dr. Joseph J. McGowan. On behalf of the GLVC and its 15 other member institutions, we send our condolences to his wife Maureen, the McGowan family, and our entire family at Bellarmine University.”